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Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has sharply criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo for the recent selection of recipients for the National State Awards, claiming that some honourees did not meet the standard required for such prestigious recognition.
During his speech at the 43rd anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution, Asiedu Nketiah raised concerns over what he described as a lack of transparency in the process and suggested that certain individuals were honoured without due merit.
The NDC Chairman’s criticism centred on the idea that the awards, which are meant to celebrate individuals who have contributed significantly to Ghana’s development, were being awarded to individuals with questionable actions or backgrounds.
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Asiedu Nketiah specifically referred to the inclusion of individuals affiliated with vigilante groups, which he argued undermines the entire concept of the awards.
According to him, awarding such individuals sends a harmful message to the youth, suggesting that violent behaviour and disrespect for the rule of law are acceptable if one aligns with the ruling political party.
“State awards are serious businesses. They must be reserved for people of distinction, people who have fought for a good cause,” Asiedu Nketiah asserted. “If we award state honours to vigilante boys and girls, then that is what we are teaching the youth: that after all, it is alright to pick weapons and shoot at people. That after all, it is alright to loot state coffers when you are allowed to serve as a minister.”
Asiedu Nketiah’s statement alluded to the ongoing tension in Ghana’s political and social climate, where various political parties, including the NPP, have been accused of fostering violent groups that engage in unlawful activities.
His concerns are tied to a broader narrative that political patronage may be playing a significant role in the selection of individuals for national awards, rather than purely merit-based criteria.
In addition to questioning the credibility of the awardees, Asiedu Nketiah also challenged the absence of a clear and transparent selection process.
He raised doubts about the integrity of the awards, suggesting that the lack of criteria for determining recipients taints their value.
According to the NDC Chairman, the public is left in the dark about how individuals are selected and why certain individuals—whom he believes have not contributed positively to Ghana’s progress—are being honoured.
Asiedu Nketiah, who has been a key figure in Ghanaian politics for decades, called for comprehensive reforms to the way national and state awards are organized.
He proposed the introduction of legislation that would create a formal, legally backed committee to oversee the entire process of selecting awardees. This committee, Asiedu Nketiah argued, would help ensure fairness, transparency, and merit in the awarding of honours.
“It is about time we establish a proper committee backed by law that will help to determine who should earn a national award,” he declared.
The NDC Chairman further emphasised that such a committee should be independent and objective, free from political influence, in order to protect the integrity of the awards.
In addition to advocating for legislative reform, Asiedu Nketiah expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, where the political elite is often seen to manipulate the system for their own advantage. His comments reflect growing concerns about the influence of political patronage in Ghana’s national honours, and he warned that unless the system is reformed, the credibility of state awards will continue to be questioned.
